What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

As far as society defines The American Dream, it seems to be made up of possession, wealth, and family. In this definition, possession is mainly the ownership of objects, often those of great monetary value, or high renown. I believe that wealth refers not only to money readily available, but also to financial security, and the ownership of a steady job, and therefore a steady income. Family is pretty self explanatory, and I believe that the standard dictionary definition is applicable (Webster says: “a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household”. I think all that needs to be added to that is the idea of love and harmony within the household.) I also believe that happiness is a part of the American Dream, although it seems to be assumed, and never truly vocalized. I listened to to a Ted Talk (at least I think it was a Ted Talk? I haven’t been able to find it- this one isn't the right one, but it's definitely applicable.) once that talked about why we never answered with “happy” when we were asked when we wanted to be when we grow up. I think this is an interesting question, with an equally interesting answer. I think that we never answer with “happy” because society has taught us that that is not an acceptable answer. The question “what do you want to be when you grow up” is associated with a profession, which we as Americans have deemed necessary in order to chase down this American Dream, and be ‘successful’ in life. Happiness is left out of the equation, or assumed to come naturally with monetary and professional success. This is because our society measures your success by these numbers or titles. As far as we are concerned, wealth is the determining factor of your quality of life. Those in poverty are regarded as “failures”. People with a lesser income are automatically inferior to those with billions of dollars. Your worth is literally measured by the number in your bank account. This is where my definition of wealth (and, I suppose, the American Dream) varies slightly from that of society. I have always considered happiness to be a measurement of your success. I don’t think that this happiness comes with money. It has to be chased down in other ways- it isn’t a package deal. There’s a reason that I have decided to pursue a career in theatre, and that’s because happiness in life is my ultimate goal. I don’t mind having to take on a second job if it means that I can do what brings me joy daily. To me, the American Dream is based much more on your happiness with the life that you life than on your possessions.

Back to Gatsby…

I think that the American Dream is referenced pretty frequently in Fitzgerald’s novel, even if it isn’t explicitly mentioned. The most evident theme directly related to the American Dream is that of wealth explored throughout the novel. In the first couple of chapters, we are immediately introduced to the idea of “new” and “old” money. Those of “new” money are new to wealth and fame, such as Jay Gatsby, and live in the West Egg. Those of “old” money come from generations of wealthy people, and live in the East Egg. In the novel, society tends to look more fondly on those of “old” money, who are portrayed as more ‘classy’ and successful. The idea of significant wealth and status (which can be replaced by profession in our modern society) is what makes someone important and prosperous. Nick is a wealthy graduate of Yale, a highly renowned university, and therefore a success. The second part of the American Dream referenced pretty frequently in Gatsby is the aspect of family. This is seen through Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship (or lack thereof). Although Daisy had admitted that she loves Gatsby, and promised that she would wait for him when he left for war, she instead chose to marry Tom, a man of “old” money. This shows us how important society considered wealth to be in the 1920’s (and still does). This also shows us the connection between this wealth and possession and family that exists within society- in order to have a family, one must first have wealth. I believe this also proves my point about happiness not coming naturally with wealth and possession. Although Gatsby is plenty rich and enjoys countless luxuries, he isn’t happy (because he doesn’t have Daisy). While he may think that wealth can win him this happiness, Gatsby makes the fatal mistake (Haha, get it? Too soon?) of believing that joy comes along with the other aspects of the American Dream.